Hydraulic pile driver

ABSTRACT

A fully powered hydraulic pile driver whereby maximum desired movement and positioning of leads is accomplished under full hydraulic power, thus simplifying the pile driver mechanism and providing positive and precise control to the operator. A hydraulically powered telescoping spotter is provided whose connections to the lead frame and rig are also fully powered. Power monks are placed in the lead frame for plumbing and positioning the piles. A single hydraulic power system is provided to operate all the powered components.

[ June 10, 1975 United States Patent [1 1 Walters i 1 HYDRAULIC PILE DRIVER Attorney, Agent, or FirmJames J. Cannon, Jr.; James J. Cannon [22] Filed:

[57] ABSTRACT A fully powered hydraulic pile driver whereby maxi- 52 s CL 173 43 52 5. 535. mum desired movement and positioning Of leads lS 3C- complished under full hydraulic power, thus simplifying the pile driver mechanism and providing positive and precise control to the operator. A hydraulically powered telescoping spotter is provided whose con- [5l] Int. EOZD 7/14 [58] Field of Search 173/28, 43; 52/l 15; 61/535 nections to the lead frame and rig are also fully powered. Power monks are placed in the lead frame for 73 43 5 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures 2,998,856 Larsen et al. 3 3l2,29l Haug 3,5ll,320 Miller PATENTEDJUH 10 1915 SHEET FIG.

PATENTEI] JUN I 0 I975 SHEET PATENTEDJUH 10 1975 3,888,317

SHEET FIG.7

PATENTEUJUN 1 0 I975 SHEET HYDRAULIC PILE DRIVER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This invention relates to pile drivers and specifically to an improvement consisting of the full power driven movement of all components of the positioning apparatus with a simplified and safe power package. The apparatus utilizes a conventional cranetype rig on which a conventional boom is mounted. The upper ends of said boom are connected by a universal joint to the upper portion of a lead frame which in turn is connected near its lower end by a universal joint to a hydraulically operated, telescoping spotter. The boom and spotter are pivotally mounted on the front deck of the pile driver or other construction apparatus. Hydraulically operated power monks are mounted on the lead frame to plumb and position piles for driving. The improvement comprises a simplified hydraulic system for the operation of all power driven components of the pile driver.

2. Description of the Prior Art Pile drivers and similar construction apparatus are well known'in the art. Also, the use ofhydraulically operated components for the movement of various ele ments of a pile driver is also well known in the prior art. Each pile driver or similar unit disclosed in the prior art has some operating limitations. The use of cables, pulleys and drums on a pile driver, even on only one component such as the spotter, requires numerous working parts and more frequent maintenance. The use of hy draulic power provides fewer working parts and more power available for movement of the rig components. It also permits the various components such as boom, lead frame and spotter to be moved simultaneously under direct, positive control, thus avoiding cable slack and slipping. In particular, US. Pat. No. 3,463,245 discloses an extremely versatile pile driver which provides for extensible and retractable batter adjustment of pile hammer leads. The present invention provides the same side to side adjustment to full batter angles of inclination and to desired angles of inclination while eliminating the short, straight beam. The present invention is also fully powered, thus eliminating the cables and their operational maintenance problems. Accord ingly, the pile driver of the present invention overcomes many practical, working limitations of the apparatus disclosed in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an illustration of one possible operative position of a pile driver embodying the principles of the present invention.

FIGSv 2 and 2a are side perspective views of the spotter of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the spotter of FIG. 2 in an operative position.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway view illustrating the universal joint connecting the spotter of FIG. 2 to a lead frame.

FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away view of the universal joint connecting the top of a lead frame to a boom.

F IGs. 6a and 6b are detail views of the universal joint of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the power monk of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are side views of the power monk of FIG. 7 in the raised operative position and lowered inoperative positions.

FIGS. 10 and I1 are top views illustrating alternative configurations of the jaws of the power monk of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the hudraulic power system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT This invention pertains particularly to a system for supplying full hydraulic power to the movable components of the positioning apparatus of a pile driver or similar equipment. In the conventional pile driver, the body support position is a vehicle chassis on which a crane driver cab and deck are rotatably mounted. A boom extends upward and outward from the crane deck and both boom and spotter support a vertically oriented lead frame which serves to position piles to be driven and supports the hammer which drives said piles. The system of the present invention is directed to a powered means to move the lead frame and spotter in to precise positions and to operate a power monk to hold piles in said lead frame.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. I, a typical pile driver assembly of the present invention is therein shown comprising a mobile crane rig having a boom 10, an extendable spotter 12 (sometimes referred to as a kicker in the trade) extending from the front of the crane rig near the base of boom 10, and a lead frame l4which is pivotally attached to the outer ends of boom 10 and spotter 12.

The crane cab and deck are rotatable on the crane rig support, and boom 10 is pivoted at its lower end 16 to the front end of the crane deck which includes a power unit in the cab conventional type. The boom 10 is moved by the usual cable 18 controlled by a power winch in the crane cab.

The lead frame 14 is pivotally mounted on the upper end of the boom 10 by a universal joint 20 permitting a rotational movement in all directions. Lead frame 14 carries a conventional hammer (not shown) or other appropriate pile driving tool mounted thereon in any conventional fashion and any conventional means for operation of said hammer.

The lead frame 14 comprises two side walls 22 and a rear wall 24, all preferably of the truss type construction. Lead frame 14 may be of the extensible type composed of one or more interlocking, telescoping sections.

Spotter 12 is pivotally mounted at its outer end 26 to the base of lead frame l4 by a universal joint 30 and at its inner end 28 to the crane deck by a partial universal joints 32 permitting rotational motion in all directions. Spotter 12 also comprises a truss type construction and is extensible, having two or more telescoping, interlocked sections.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 2 and 2a, spotter 12 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, two interlocking, telescoping truss sections 34, 36 and a hydraulic cylinder 38 extending the full length of spotter l2 and attached to each end thereof. Hydraulic cylinder 38 is of a standard type having a piston slidably mounted therein and having steam, air, or hydraulic cluid under pressure being admitted through inlet and exhaust connections 40, as will be explained hereinafter. Cylinder 38 is used to extend and retract the sections 34, 36 of spotter 12. Mounted on each end of spotter 12 are trunnion plates 42 and 44 which can rotate about trunnion pins 46, 58. Inner trunnion plate 42 is mated to a second trunnion plate 48 which in turn is pivotally mounted to the front end 50 of the crane sup port by partial universal joint 32. Two additional hydraulic cylinders 52, 54 are mounted to connect each side of trunnion plate 42 to the front end 50 of said crane deck. Cylinders 52 and 54 are reciprocally connected, as will be described hereinafter in detail, such that when the piston of one is pushed inward by bydraulic pressure the piston of the other is pushed out ward. Cylinders 52 and 54 are used to rotate spotter 12 about the vertical axis of trunnion pin 46. Outer trunnion plate 44 of spotter 12 is connected to trunnion plate 56 by trunnion pin 58. Trunnion plate 56 pivotally mounted at the base of lead frame 14 by a full universal joint. Two hydraulic cylinders 60, 62 are reciprocally connected, as will be described hereinafter in detail, such that when the piston of one is pushed inward, the piston ofthe other is forced outward, enabling lead frame 14 to rotate about the vertical axis of trunnion pin 58.

FIGS. 2 and 2a illustrates the hose connections to the hydraulic system described hereinafter.

FIG. 3 is a top schematic view of the spotter assembly 12 illustrating the horizontal rotational movement of the spotter 12 and lead 14 about trunnion pins 46, 58 respectively.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cut-away view of the base of lead frame 14 illustrating the detail of universal joint 30.

FIG. is a detailed cut-away view of an upper segment of lead frame 14 illustrating in detail the universal joint 20 which links the upper segment of lead frame 14 to the upper end of boom 10. Universal joint 20 includes a U-shaped member 64 horizontally oriented and mounted near the top of boom 10, and adapted to receive a vertically oriented pin 66 through aperatures in its side extensions. A vertically oriented U-shaped member 68 integrally formed on top of pin 66 is adapted to receive a horizontally oriented cylindrical member 70 mounted on lead frame 14 and held in U shaped member 68 by pin 72. Lead frame 14 can rotate about the vertical axis of pin 66, about the horizontal axis of pin 70 and about the horizontal axis of pin 72. No hydraulic power need be applied to universal joint 30. FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate the details of universal joint 30.

The combined movements of boom 10, telescoping spotter 12 and lead frame 14 made possible by the connection of spotter 12 to the rig deck by a partial universal joint 32, the pivotal connection of boom to the rig deck and the rotational movement of the crane deck, with the relative motion of boom 10, spotter l2 and lead frame 14 all powered hydraulically, provide the pile driver of the present invention with the means to adjust leads side to side to full batter angles of inclination and to reach the leads out to desired angles of inclination without the use of the conventional moonbeam" form of batter adjustment. In addition. since the spotter assembly 12 is powered by two pairs of reciprocally operating hydraulic cylinders 52, 54, 60, 62 and one large hydraulic cylinder 38 positive operator control is provided, thus eleminating the need for manually placed lock pins to hold the lead frame at the desired angle of inclination. Thus, the lead frame 14 can be positioned precisely in a variety of positions independent of location of the crane rig. The geometric motion described by the base of lead frame 14 need not be any regularly denominated form.

To complete the fully powered pile driver of the present invention a power operated means of holding piles in lead frame 14 is required. To this end. there are mounted in lead frame 14 one or more power monks as illustrated in FIGSv 7 and through 11 for the purpose of plumbing and holding piles in precise position in lead frame 14. Power monk 100 includes a platform 102 on which two arms 104 are pivotally mounted. Each arm is connected to a hydraulic cylinder 106 which is attached at its other end to platform 102. Arms 104 are adapted to receive a variety of jaws 108, 110 as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Platform 102 is mounted on plate 112 which is secured to the exterior corner posts 114 and 116 of lead frame 14.

A supporting hydraulic cylinder 118 is pivotally mounted on the underside of platform 102 and down to lead frame 14. When the piston of cylinder 118 is extended outward. platform 102 is raised to a horizontal operative position. as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. When said piston is retracted within cylinder 118, platform 102 pivots 90 downward to a vertical position as illustrated in FIG. 9.

One or more power monks 100 may be utilized in a lead frame 14. The power monk eliminates considerable manpower time in correctly plumbing and positioning piles for driving. It is also considerably simpler in construction and use from other comparable de' vices. Power monk 100 is also powered by the same bydraulic system which positions the lead frame 14 which is illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 12 and is de' scribed below.

Hydraulic system 120 is illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 12. System 120 comprises a tank 122 of hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump 124 and a motor 126 to drive said hydraulic pump 124. Hydraulic fluid is pumped by pump 124 from tank 122 through line 128 to a control manifold 130. A return line runs from the control manifold 130 to tank 122. Assuming two power monks 100 are monks are mounted in lead frame 14, the control manifold 130 will have five operative valves described below. Supply line 132 runs from control manifold 130 to input 134 of cylinder 38 to supply hydraulic pressure to extend spotter 12. Return line 136 runs from outlet 138 of cylinder 38 to control manifold 130. Both are controlled by valve 140. In the case of reciprocally operated cylinders 52, 54, supply line 142 runs from valve 144 on control manifold 130 to the input side of cylinder 52. Supply line 146 runs from the return outlet of cylinder 52 to the input side of cylinder 54. Return line 148 runs from the input outlet on cylinder 54 back to valve 144 in control manifold 130.

Each of said valves 140, 144, and the others described below is controlled by a three position lever (not shown). Said valves have a neutral postion in which there is no flow in either direction and two open positions, one permitting a pressure flow in one direction and the other permitting a pressure flow in the other direction.

Valve 1S0, supply lines 152 and 154 and return line 156 similarly operate reciprocal cylinders 60, 62.

Cylinders 106, 107 which operate the arms 104 of power monk 100 are connected in parallel by supply line 158 which runs from valve 160 in control manifold 130 to input side of cylinder 106 and then to the input side of cylinder 107. Return line l62 runs from the output side of cylinder 106 to the output side of cylinder 107 and then back to valve 160 in control manifold 130. Valve 164 controls the supply and return lines 166, 168 to cylinder 118 which raises and lowers platform 102 of power monk 100. A second power monk would be similarly connected to hydraulic system 120. Control manifold 130 would be mounted with other operator simultaneously hydraulic system 120 provides full operator control over the positioning of lead frame, 14.

The embodiment as shown and described is chosen by way of example only, it being possible to modify the components of the powered pile driving assembly in several ways as regard their construction without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It is, for example, convenient to use various sources of power such as air hydraulic fluids, or other means to power the movement and positioning of the spotter l2 and lead frame 14. Such modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Reference should accordingly be had to the appended claims to determine the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A powered pile driver assembly for use in conjunction with a crane having a boom which is rotatable through 360 and vertically adjustable, said assembly comprising:

a partial universal joint mounted at the free upper end of said boom for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis;

an extensible spotter mounted on said crane adjacent the base of said boom for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis and a generally vertical axis, mounting means comprising a universal joint;

said extensible spotter comprising a pair of elongated rectangular frames one frame being telescopically arranged within the other;

a lead frame;

a universal joint mounted near the lower end of said lead frame;

a partial universal joint mounted near the uper end of said lead frame for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis;

said lead frame being mounted at its lower end to said extensible spotter by said universal joint;

said lead frame being mounted at its lower end to said extensible spotter by said universal joint;

said lead frame being mounted near its upper end by said partial universal joints which together form a full universal joint;

hydraulic means for extending and retracting said spotter including:

a hydraulic cylinder mounted at each end of said spotter and having a piston slidably mounted therein;

an inlet valve for supplying hydraulic pressure to said cylinder;

an outlet valve for relieving said hydraulic pressure;

a source of hydraulic pressure;

hoses to connect said inlet valve and said outlet valve to said source of hydraulic pressure;

a control manifold with an operating valve to control said hydraulic pressure:

hydraulic means for moving said spotter about a generally vertical axis relative to said crane body;

hydraulic means for moving said lead frame about a generally vertical axis relative to said spotter. 2. A powered pile driver assembly as defined in claim I wherein the hydraulic means for moving said spotter about a generally vertical axis relative to said crane body comprises:

a trunnion plate mounted on the inner end of said lead frame;

a trunnion plate mounted on the outer end of said partial universal joint on said crane body:

a trunnion pin connecting said trunnion plates permitting pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis of said trunnion pin;

two reciprocally operating hydraulic cylinders. each having one end mounted to one side of said trunnion plate on said spotter and the other end mounted on said crane body;

means to supply and release hydraulic pressure from said reciprocally operating cylinders.

3. A powered pile driver assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said hydraulic means to move lead frame about a generally vertical axis relatiive to said spotter comprises:

a trunnion plate mounted on the outer end of said spotter;

a trunnion plate mounted on said universal joint on said lead frame;

a trunnion pin connecting said trunnion plates permitting pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis of said trunnion pin;

two reciprocally operating hydraulic cylinders, each having one end mounted on one side of said trunnion plate mounted on said lead frame and its other end mounted on said spotter;

means to supply and release hydraulic pressure from said reciprocally operating cylinders.

4. A powered pile driver assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said lead frame further includes at least one power monk for holding piles in place comprising:

a vertically mounted support frame on said lead frame;

a platform pivotally mounted on said support frame so as to permit a 90 pivotal movement from a vertical to a horizontal position;

a pair of sissor-like arms having pivoting gripping jaws mounted on said platform said jaws being adapted to hold piles to be driven:

a pair of parallel operating hydraulic cylinders, one mounted to each of said arms and both mounted on said platform to open and close said jaws;

a hydraulic cylinder mounted on said platform and said support frame to raise and lower said platform and said arms;

means to supply and release hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic cylinders.

5. The power pile driver assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein the means to supply hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic cylinders comprises:

a tank for holding a supply hydraulic fluid;

a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid into and out of said tank;

a motor to drive said pump;

a control manifold to control the distribution of hydraulic pressure to the various hydraulic cylinders;

a plurality of valves on said control manifold;

a plurality of supply hoses connecting one or more and a plurality of return hoses connecting one or hydraulic cylinders to a valve on said control munimore of Said hydraulic cylinders m the valve Com fold. t ll '1 u l ho'e said control manifold having supply and return hoses r mg I 5 PP Y 3 connecting it to said tank; 5 

1. A powered pile driver assembly for use in conjunction with a crane having a boom which is rotatable through 360* and vertically adjustable, said assembly comprising: a partial universal joint mounted at the free upper end of said boom for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis; an extensible spotter mounted on said crane adjacent the base of said boom for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis and a generally vertical axis, mounting means comprising a universal joint; said extensible spotter comprising a pair of elongated rectangular frames, one frame being telescopically arranged within the other; a lead frame; a universal joint mounted near the lower end of said lead frame; a partial universal joint mounted near the uper end of said lead frame for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis; said lead frame being mounted at its lower end to said extensible spotter by said universal joint; said lead frame being mounted at its lower end to said extensible spotter by said universal joint; said lead frame being mounted near its upper end by said partial universal joints which together form a full universal joint; hydraulic means for extending and retracting said spotter including: a hydraulic cylinder mounted at each end of said spotter and having a piston slidably mounted therein; an inlet valve for supplying hydraulic pressure to said cylinder; an outlet valve for relieving said hydraulic pressure; a source of hydraulic pressure; hoses to connect said inlet valve and said outlet valve to said source of hydraulic pressure; a control manifold with an operating valve to control said hydraulic pressure; hydraulic means for moving said spotter about a generally vertical axis relative to said crane body; hydraulic means for moving said lead frame about a generally vertical axis relative to said spotter.
 2. A powered pile driver assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the hydraulic means for moving said spotter about a generally vertical axis relative to said crane body comprises: a trunnion plate mounted on the inner end of said lead frame; a trunnion plate mounted on the outer end of said partial universal joint on said crane body; a trunnion pin connecting said trunnion plates permitting pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis of said trunnion pin; two reciprocally operating hydraulic cylinders, each having one end mounted to one side of said trunnion plate on said spotter and the other end mounted on said crane body; means to supply and release hydraulic pressure from said reciprocally operating cylinders.
 3. A powered pile driver assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said hydraulic means to move lead frame about a generally vertical axis relatiive to said spotter comprises: a trunnion plate mounted on the outer end of said spotter; a trunnion plate mounted on said universal joint on said lead frame; a trunnion pin connecting said trunnion plates permitting pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis of said trunnion pin; two reciprocally operating hydraulic cylinders, each having one end mounted on one side of said trunnion plate mounted on said lead frame and its other end mounted on said spotter; means to supply and release hydraulic pressure from said reciprocally operating cylinders.
 4. A powered pile driver assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said lead frame further includes at least one power monk for holding piles in place comprising: a vertically mounted support frame on said lead frame; a platform pivotally mounted on said support frame so as to permit a 90* pivotal movement from a vertical to a horizontal position; a pair of sissor-like arms having pivoting gripping jaws mounted on said platform said jaws being adapted to hold piles to be driven; a pair of parallel operating hydraulic cylinders, one mounted to each of said arms and both mounted on said platform to open and close said jaws; a hydraulic cylinder mounted on said platform and said support frame to raise and lower said platform and said arms; means to supply and release hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic cylinders.
 5. The power pile driver assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein the means to supply hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic cylindErs comprises: a tank for holding a supply hydraulic fluid; a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid into and out of said tank; a motor to drive said pump; a control manifold to control the distribution of hydraulic pressure to the various hydraulic cylinders; a plurality of valves on said control manifold; a plurality of supply hoses connecting one or more hydraulic cylinders to a valve on said control manifold; said control manifold having supply and return hoses connecting it to said tank; and a plurality of return hoses connecting one or more of said hydraulic cylinders to the valve controlling its supply hose. 